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Philip Wright, of Luton milliners Walter Wright, said celebrities were continuing to set international trends, wearing "statement" hats.

He said: "Carla Bruni's neat, chic, pill box hat was a supreme example of classic simplicity at its best - a stylish understatement which captured the attention of the world's media.

"Hugh Jackman's outback hat, worn in the film Australia, not only achieved instant fame on the big screen but also popularised the look for men's casual wear generally.

"Mr Jackman has also been seen sporting some stylish trilby and pork pie hats off screen."

The Queen, with her second-place title, was noticed for her fur-look style hat worn to the unveiling of the memorial statue of the Queen Mother in February.

"It was in marked contrast to her usual, more formal, choice in hats and a welcome break with tradition," Mr Wright added.

"Victoria Beckham clearly remains a hat fan with her third appearance in the annual lists.

"She demonstrates a tendency towards the more masculine peaked caps, trilby and fedora styles, while the Countess of Wessex opts for more feminine styles, including a particularly eye catching one with feather trim.

"Madonna's 'winged' hat, co-ordinating with her turquoise dress, raised a few eye brows when she wore it this year but it was adventurous and fun and deserves recognition.

"Headwear currently enjoys an increasing popularity in all walks of life thanks to celebrities sometimes throwing caution to the wind and taking fashion risks."

In this year's men's list, Sir Sean won second position with a number of stylish hats, including a classic Panama hat.

He was followed by Day Lewis in third place, 2007-winner Depp in fourth, and Andre in fifth.

The pop star, who hit the headlines in May following his split from Katie Price, has regularly been spotted in a variety of different styles, including an array of casual caps.

David Beckham, who has appeared somewhere in the table in the past five years, did not find a place in this year's chart.

Patricia Murchie, from Luton First, said: "Luton is justifiably proud of its 400-year-old hat-making history and the town's manufacturers and designers continue to be a significant influence on style trends both here and abroad and on the hats worn by international celebrities."